Communications Manager

Job Description

*ENTRY-LEVEL POSITION: Candidates with demonstrated artistic qualities, capacity to learn and work with digital tools, and enthusiasm for faith-based work are encouraged to apply. Training on Parish-specific platforms is available upon hiring.*

Position Summary: The Communications Manager supports the mission of Blessed Sacrament Parish by managing Parish communications and marketing efforts, ensuring all content is effective, mission-drive, and aligned with Catholic teachings. This role focuses on creating and distributing materials that promote the Parish's mission to "Facilitate an Encounter with Christ," fostering engagement within the faith community through digital and print media.

Hours of Work: Approximately 20 hours per week; flexible scheduling to accommodate Parish needs, with remote or hybrid work options available. Additional hours may be required occasionally for time-sensitive events or deadlines, compensated at the standard hourly rate.

Work Location: Blessed Sacrament Parish, 4500 Jackson Blvd., Rapid City, SD 57702 (Primary onsite location when needed; remote or hybrid arrangements permitted with supervisor approval)

Primary Duties:
• Communications and Marketing
o Oversee all Parish communications and scheduling to ensure they are effective, mission-driven, and aligned with Catholic teaching
o Manage the Parish's online presence, including the website, social media accounts, and Parish apps, ensuring content reflects the fullness of the Catholic faith.
o As needed, coordinate with photographers, graphic designers, videographers, writers, and social media managers, encouraging them to use their gifts in service to the Parish.
o Research, plan, and execute marketing initiatives that promote the Parish's mission to "Facilitate an Encounter with Christ."
o Write and/or compile the weekly bulletin, ensuring timely distribution and alignment with liturgical and Parish events.
o Write and/or compile pulpit announcements for Sunday Masses, appropriately identifying pertinent information to be shared prior to liturgies.
o Manage Parish social media platforms, including content creation, scheduling, and engagement monitoring to build community and outreach.
o Manage the Parish website and Parish app, performing updates, content uploads, and maintenance to enhance user experience and accessibility.
o Create graphic designs, flyers, promotional materials, and other visuals to promote official Parish events, utilizing appropriate design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar tools).
o Collaborate with Parish staff and ministries to gather content and ensure all communications uphold Catholic values and the Parish mission.

• Personal and Professional Conduct
o Provide for personal spiritual and professional growth through reading appropriate materials, participating in training opportunities, and attending workshops as approved by the Parish.
o Maintain an atmosphere of hospitality and charity, speaking positively about the Parish and actively promoting its mission to "Facilitate an Encounter with Christ."
o Serve as a model of Catholic values, ensuring all actions and communications reflect the teachings of the Church and support the Parish's faith-based community.

Qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, or a related field preferred but not required.
• Experience in communications, marketing, or graphic design is preferred but not required; entry-level candidates with demonstrated artistic qualities and enthusiasm for faith-based work are encouraged to apply.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or Canva) and digital platforms (e.g., website CMS like GoDaddy, WordPress, social media tools, and app management).
• Strong understanding of Catholic teachings and commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail in content creation.
• Ability to work independently in a remote or hybrid environment while maintaining collaboration with parish teams.

Competencies:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to manage Parish communications and foster positive engagement with parishioners and staff.
• Proficiency in digital tools, including website management platforms, social media, and design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite or equivalents).
• Experience in marketing, social media management, and digital communications, with a focus on faith-based content.
• Leadership and team management abilities to guide creative volunteers and teams.
• Strong organizational skills for managing schedules, content calendars, and marketing initiatives.
• Artistic qualities, including creativity in graphic design and visual storytelling.
• Effective marketing strategies tailored to a faith community.
• Deep commitment to Catholic values and teachings, with the ability to model these in professional and public conduct.

Faith-Based Expectation: As an employee of Blessed Sacrament parish, all clergy and staff roles support the mission of the Catholic Church to proclaim the Gospel and serve the community in accordance with its teachings. Employees are expected to be practicing Catholics, actively participate in the sacramental life of the Church, and to conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with the moral and doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church, as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Her Magisterial teachings, and Diocesan policies. This includes upholding Catholic values in our professional duties and public conduct. Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, in accordance with South Dakota's at-will employment laws and diocesan guidelines.

About the Employer

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church seeks to facilitate an encounter Christ through the Church's sacramental nature, as well as through our evangelization efforts in the West Rapid City Catholic community.